With the Mexico vs. El Salvador match kicking off El Tri's Gold Cup campaign, it's a good time to take a closer look at what exactly makes the pre-tournament favourites tick. Mexico are an excellent team, capable of beating most anyone they match up against, but whether they can outright slaughter the opposition is an entirely different question. According to Eben Lehmann of SB Nation's Mexican futbol blog FMF State of Mind, the answer to the latter problem is in Pablo Barrera, right winger in the 4-2-3-1.
Mexico Vs. El Salvador, 2011 Gold Cup: Pablo Barrera Key To Mexico’s Attack
Barrera's spot on the right wing is one of the keys to Mexico's 4-2-3-1 formation. The strength of the three players behind the striker will likely dictate how dominant Mexico can be in this year’s Gold Cup. With Andres Guardado on the left, and Dos Santos now likely stepping in permanently for Sinha in the middle, it becomes an incredibly dynamic and talented unit. The trio should create all kinds of match-up problems for the rest of the CONCACAF teams. Barrera, Guardado, and Dos Santos were all brilliant in the first half against New Zealand, showing why they are the best three choices for these creative roles.
If that attacking trio - especially Barrera - can shine in the Copa Oro,we could be in for a series of magnificent performances from Mexico. For the sake of spectacle, let’s hope that happens.
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